UFC Fight Pass announced on Wednesday that it has signed an exclusive rights live-event and on-demand content deal with SHOOTO Japan. No financial terms were released although the press release from the UFC indicates it is a multi-year deal.
Via UFC press release:
SHOOTO Japan is widely considered the world’s oldest mixed martial arts organization. Founded in 1985 by retired Japanese pro-wrestling legend Satoru “Tiger Mask” Sayama, SHOOTO Japan promoted its first professional show in 1989. Since then, some of the biggest stars in MMA history have competed on its cards, including UFC® icons Anderson Silva, Dan Severn, Nick Diaz, Matt Hughes and Takanori Gomi.
“We’re excited to announce our deal with the historic SHOOTO Japan organization,” said Eric Winter, UFC Senior Vice-President and UFC FIGHT PASS General Manager. “SHOOTO Japan also joins sister promotion SHOOTO Brazil in our ever-expanding library. Featuring exclusive UFC cards and live events from some of the biggest combat sports promotions around the world, UFC FIGHT PASS represents unbeatable value for fight fans.”
SHOOTO Japan’s first event takes place late Friday night, April 22nd on Fight Pass.
Payout Perspective:
It’s the third deal with a promotion in the last month: Cage Warriors in the UK, Combate Americas (which caters to a Hispanic audience) and now Shooto Japan. These deals which grant access to the promotion’s library and/or live events provide more content for the digital platform. As we know from Netflix, one of the things that keeps this type of business going is content to attract and retain subscribers. As we also know from Netflix, the question of expanding and retention is a constant question that the company must figure out. Unlike the Los Gatos company, there does not seem to be a concern about growing the product yet. With these new offerings, as well as the influx of attractive live UFC events, the digital platform should have sufficient content to appease MMA fans.
Does anyone here actually get into Fight Pass?